Reports by Consumers

Dr. Joe provides sound advice on whether consumers should repair or replace an appliance.

So I must be careful not to let my pleasure overflow at finding one of my core philosophies of life in the OR and elsewhere vindicated by the information in a sparkling article by Stephanie Cavanaugh on home appliances and the "repair v replace" dilemma.

Her piece appeared in last Saturday"s Washington Post Real Estate section.

Cavanaugh is a superb free-lance writer who contributes occasional pieces to the Post; she does an enormous amount of homework and background investigation, which adds great value and credibility to her articles.

For this story she interviewed experts in appliance sales and repair, trade associations, consumer nonprofit research groups, home inspectors, and ordinary people like me and you.

The gist of her findings: if you like something, get it fixed regardless of cost.

And if you want reliability, then buy appliances with as few features and options as possible.

Related Products: Visit our store

Read more from this blogger: bookofjoe: 'Don't Despair, Just Repair' — A philosophy of appliance management that works equally well in other areas of life